A pleasant day forecast and with no cottages in or (but one out later in the day) of our Derbyshire cottages we decided on a walk. Getting busier on Sundays now so may have to restrict walks to during the week. Chose a shorter walk than ones of late, This was three and a half miles starting at Grindleford station. We did this one a couple of years ago and it is an undemanding walk with varied scenery. Bought a paper from Bakewell and manged to get one of the last parking spaces at Grindleford. Our walk took us past Padley Chapel and towards the Hathersage to Sheffield Road and as we got nearer to the road we had some nice views down the Hope Valley, being able to make out Win and Lose Hill and just about Mam Tor in the hazy distance. Once at the road we headed towards Hathersage but only for a short while before turning towards the River Derwent and picking up the Derwent Valley Heritage Walk. We had to cross the railway line and if we had waited for another 30 seconds could have got some pictures of a train. We found a nice spot close to the river to have lunch before heading back up to Grindleford. Had decided to don my summer weight boots which was fine for most of the walk but there was a little boggy patch just as we went back up to Grindleford. As we walked back to the station we noticed that Padley Chapel was open so we had a look round. A Grade 1 listed building it is all that remains of a manor house on the site. Called into Hathersage as I wanted to see if my favourite outdoor shop had some walking sandals. I find them great for general walking, like when we were exploring all those cities on our cruise last year, rather than country walking. Both of us came away with something! Back home for a cup of tea and catch up on emails/phone calls and also chatted to a few guests before heading off to Youlgreave. As it is well dressing week we thought we would go while they are still at their best, but after the crowds have gone. The dressings were up to their usual high standard but also their were other exhibitions to see too, we both had a look at an art exhibition and also some wood turning. Called in at Over Haddon on the way to see their good efforts. Congratulations to the youngsters of Over Haddon who apparently did all the design and petalling themselves. Had a quick drink at the Lathkill before back and a bite to eat. Dealt with the phone calls and emails that had come in during the few hours we had been out before siting down. Photos to follow.

Mainly cloudy with a few drizzly showers today but brightened up in the evening. Six cottages out of our Peak District cottages with six back in and one staying for a second week. Hens have not been laying recently so will not have many eggs this week. Three cleaners up and one minor problem with a toilet but otherwise cleaning finished in good time. Just finishing my final checks when first guests arrived just before 3pm. They have been here before. Two other cottages have also been here before and one cottage is former B&B guests. Most guests arrived between 3.30 & 4.30 pm. Cooked a dinner and final guests arrived about 8pm so sat down about 8.30pm.

A bright start and it remained dry for the day despite showers being forecast. One cottage out with one back in our Bakewell cottages and one cleaner up to turn cottage round. Went and inspected the damage by the cows (who have been given a herd ASBO) and perhaps not as bad as thought. Many bushes stripped of leaves so will have to wait until next spring to see if they grow back, and not many completely trampled. Salvaged some branches which I will dip in rooting powder and replant and see what happens. Also planted out the remaining hanging basket plants in the troughs in the courtyard. Still have a few left over, always make sure I have more than needed especially as I noticed a few I planted out the other day have already been eaten! Guests arrived about 4.30 and after a few bits of planning for tomorrow and an early dinner went to Buxton. Saw lots of stretch limos so obviously proms night in Buxton. Went to the Opera House to see ‘Beyond the Barricade’. www.beyondthebarricade.com Saw them here about 18 months ago and really enjoyed their show (songs from West End Musicals) and it was good to see them perform to a full house. Still daylight as we drove home but longest day on Sunday so it wont last.

Wednesday started overcast but dry with the rain not arriving until mid morning. Had hoped to have a day ‘off’ but decided to spend the day sorting out some financial matters and bits around the house including some housework. Also needed to soak some duvet covers which had been stained with blood or ink. We don’t get many stained items but I have found with the right cleaners and a bit of patience I can usually get rid of the stains. On a personal note we have accepted an offer on Dad’s bungalow and probate has come through so we are moving into the next stage in sorting out the affairs. I will be going down again in a few weeks time. I also got the business accounts up to date. Thursday dawned sunny but with a major problem. A group of cows were in the strip of land between the paddock and car park where they should not be, this is where I had planted a whole load of shrubs last year. They must have accidentally knocked one of the posts down and of course the grass is always greener on the other side… Andrew and Joanna came up to help move about 30 cows back into the fields. Chris now has a fence to repair. Took the dogs to the vets for their annual booster jabs and also went to Bakewell for weekend provisions. Chris went to his Over Haddon digital photo session and I did some housework and chatted to some of the guests. Had planned to put some more plants out but never got around to it. Decided to try out the evening meals at the Bakewell Pudding Parlour and we both enjoyed our food. Came back and sorted out some bookings before sitting down at 9pm.

Another fine day and I had arranged to go to Chesterfield with one of the cleaners. I needed to stock up on some cottage consumables and we both wanted to visit Dunelm! Back to discover had missed a friend dropping in (unexpectedly) but with bags of bits to put away found myself tidying up the store room for an hour or so. The dogs have made a friend with one of the dogs staying at our dog friendly cottages, luckily they get on with most of the dogs staying here. A later tea than planned and by time processed bookings and emails it was nearly 9pm. Sat down for CSI though.

The forecast was heavy showers from the off but the day got off to a sunny start and despite the odd cloud it wasn’t until later in the afternoon that the rain finally arrived. One cottage out of our peak district cottages with two back in and back to a full house. One cleaner up to do both cottages as one was left over from Saturday. Usual Monday jobs with laundry and rubbish collected and found some time to start planting out the plants in the troughs in the courtyard. At least they got watered in. Guests arrived between 3&4 pm. Took a few bookings so processed them after dinner. New pledge – I am now going to try and stop work every day by 8pm. I did this today.

No-one in or out of our Derbyshire cottages today. Its been a number of years since we have done a walk in the Goyt Valley just beyond Buxton, but with another fine day forecast we decided to go there as we were hoping the rhododendrons would be out. It was the first place we had ever taking the dogs to for a walk too. Drove there via Buxton picking up a newspaper on the way. We had planned a walk from the Errwood car park but when we got to the Errwood reservoir we found the road was closed so had to add a short walk to pick up the start of the planned walk. We discovered that they did in fact close this road on a Sunday to prevent congestion in the valley. A six mile walk with a steady ascent and gradual descent and only one stile! From the Errwood car park we first walked up to the ruins of Errwood House. We could see the rhodi’s were in full bloom. From here we started the long ascent to Pym Chair from where you had wonderful views across the Cheshire plain. We could make out Manchester Airport and Jodrell Bank but unfortunately it was to hazy to see the Welsh Hills which you can do on a clear day apparently. A walk along to Cats Tor where we stopped for lunch with views back to Buxton and the white peaks in front of us and the Cheshire Plain and the Cheshire Matterhorn (Shuttlingsloe) behind us. Then onto Shining Tor, the highest point on the walk. From here we were close to the road from Buxton to Macclesfield and could see the Cat & Fiddle pub and the tea room we sometimes use. There were a number of hangliders here too. From here we started our slow descent back to the car park via Shooter’s Clough where we were able to admire the rhodi’s. It would be interesting to do this walk again when the heather is out. A lazy evening back at home making sure emails and phone calls were dealt with before sitting down.

A warm day and so much better for a big changeover. Six cottages out of our peak district cottages with six back in and most had departed by 9.30 which was handy as I only have two cleaners today with two being on holiday. Also one departing cottage who have been coming for many years said they may not be coming again as they are now finding the journey difficult. With a good start a good turn around was achieved and with no problems all cleaning was completed by 1.30pm. Time for me to get my bits done without pressure and time for Chris to cut the grass before first guests arrived at 3pm. All guests arrived between 3 & 5pm with only one having been here before. Time to deal with a couple of bookings and a cancellation. Our friend also went home today. Got a pizza for tea and took the bottles down so we don’t need to go to Bakewell tomorrow.

A sunny and warm day and it stayed like that! Two cottages out of our peak district cottages this morning with one back in later so one cleaner up to clean both cottages. A lot of cow movement today with a lot of associated cow mooing! Chris helped out too. Took my friend to Dunelm and we both came back with a few bits. Due to road works we came back across country via Beeley and had to pass the Chatsworth Farm shop so stopped and bought some bits. Had lunch on the patio before guests arrived just after 3pm. Usual Friday afternoon of checking and preparing for Saturday. As it was a nice evening went down to the Lathkill Hotel for a drink and to enjoy the scenery. They start work on the Over Haddon well dressings tomorrow with the clay boards being brought out of the river to be petalled. Might even see if I can help out this year.